If you’re craving a dessert that combines the rich decadence of chocolate, the tart sweetness of cherries, and a luscious creamy finish, then you’re going to love this Black Forest Poke Cake Recipe. This cake transforms a classic chocolate mix into a show-stopping treat that’s both incredibly easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Each bite delivers layers of moist cake, juicy cherry filling, and fluffy whipped cream, creating a beautiful balance of flavors and textures that’s perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try this Black Forest Poke Cake Recipe, it will become your go-to for birthdays, potlucks, or whenever you need a slice of happiness.

Black Forest Poke Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Black Forest Poke Cake Recipe is in its simple, straightforward ingredients that come together to create magic. Each item plays a crucial role—from the boxed chocolate cake ensuring a moist and classic base, to the cherry pie filling delivering the iconic fruity burst, and the sweetened condensed milk adding a creamy soak that keeps every bite tender and flavorful.

Chocolate cake mix: The foundation of the cake that gives it a rich, chocolatey depth and moist texture every time.
Cherry pie filling: Adds that signature sweet-and-tart cherry layer that makes the cake truly special.
Sweetened condensed milk: Provides a luscious, creamy soak that seeps into the cake and softens it perfectly.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors with a warm, inviting note.
Heavy whipping cream: Whipped into fluffy peaks to create a light, airy topping that balances the richness.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream just right without overpowering it.
Chocolate shavings or curls: Offers an elegant, crunchy garnish that intensifies the chocolate experience.
Maraschino cherries (optional): A classic finishing touch that brightens up the presentation and adds a pop of color.

How to Make Black Forest Poke Cake Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake

Start by preheating your oven according to the directions on your chocolate cake mix box. Prepare the cake batter exactly as instructed and pour it into a 9×13-inch pan. Baking it until a toothpick comes out clean means you’ve got a perfectly moist cake, just waiting to be transformed into Black Forest magic.

Step 2: Poke the Cake

Once your cake is baked, allow it to cool for about 10 minutes so it’s still warm but not hot. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly all over the surface of the cake. These holes are essential—they’re going to trap all the juicy cherry filling and creamy condensed milk that give this recipe its signature moist, flavorful layers.

Step 3: Add the Cherry Filling

Mix your cherry pie filling with a teaspoon of vanilla extract to boost its aroma and flavor. Spread this mixture evenly over the cake, making sure the cherries fill those holes you just poked. It’s like infusing every bite with bursts of sweet, luscious fruit.

Step 4: Pour the Sweetened Condensed Milk

Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the entire cake, letting it seep into every nook and cranny. This adds a silky, creamy element that melds the chocolate and cherries together and keeps your cake perfectly moist.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Cover the cake and refrigerate it for at least one hour. This step is vital—chilling allows the flavors to meld and the cake to soak up all the delicious liquids, preparing it for its crowning glory: the whipped topping.

Step 6: Whip the Cream

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. This fluffy whipped cream topping adds a beautifully light texture that complements the dense, chocolatey cake underneath.

Step 7: Assemble and Garnish

Spread the whipped cream evenly over your chilled cake. Then generously sprinkle chocolate shavings or curls on top for a delightful crunch and rich visual appeal. If you want to make it extra festive, place maraschino cherries here and there for that classic Black Forest look.

How to Serve Black Forest Poke Cake Recipe

Garnishes

For serving, the added chocolate shavings and maraschino cherries aren’t just beautiful—they also provide contrasting texture and sweet bursts that elevate the experience. Fresh mint leaves could also add a refreshing twist if you want to experiment.

Side Dishes

Pair this Black Forest Poke Cake Recipe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of freshly brewed coffee for a delightful treat. Light fruit salads or simple whipped cream on the side won’t compete with the intense flavors of the cake but rather complement them gently.

Creative Ways to Present

Imagine serving individual portions in elegant glass dishes to showcase the colorful layers of chocolate, cherries, and cream. Or use a serrated knife for clean slices to maintain its stunning presentation at dinner parties. You could even layer slices between plates with a drizzle of chocolate sauce to amp up the decadence factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Black Forest Poke Cake Recipe fresh by storing leftover portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 3-4 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy every last bite.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When frozen, it can last up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best texture.

Reheating

This cake is best served chilled, so reheating is generally not recommended. If desired, let it return to room temperature for about 30 minutes after taking it out of the fridge to soften slightly, but the cooling keeps it at its tastiest.

FAQs

Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a boxed mix?

Absolutely! If you prefer to bake a chocolate cake from scratch, feel free. Just make sure it’s moist and sturdy enough to hold up when poked and soaked with the fillings.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for vanilla extract?

Yes, you can use vanilla-flavored almond or coconut milk, or simply omit it if you don’t have any on hand. The cake will still be delicious, though vanilla does add a wonderful depth.

Can I use frozen cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?

Frozen cherries can work but you might want to cook them down with sugar and a bit of cornstarch to thicken, ensuring you don’t add too much extra moisture that could make the cake soggy.

How long does it take to prepare the cake before chilling?

The entire prep—from baking to spreading the toppings—usually takes about 30-40 minutes. Then at least an hour of chilling before adding whipped cream and serving.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix, and make sure your pie filling is gluten-free as well. Everything else in the recipe is naturally free of gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Black Forest Poke Cake Recipe is the sort of dessert that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s simple enough for weeknight baking but beautiful and impressive enough for special occasions. You’re going to love how the layers of chocolate, cherry, and cream come together into one unforgettable bite. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new favorite indulgence.

Black Forest Poke Cake Recipe

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3.9 from 81 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

This Black Forest Poke Cake is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining moist chocolate cake with cherry pie filling, sweetened condensed milk, and fluffy whipped cream. The cake is baked, then poked with holes to allow the cherry mixture and condensed milk to soak in, resulting in a rich, fruity, and creamy flavor explosion. Topped with chocolate shavings and optional maraschino cherries, this cake is perfect for any celebration or cozy dessert craving.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the package)

Filling

1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

Topping

2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 cup chocolate shavings or chocolate curls
Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and bake the cake: Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the chocolate cake mix package. Prepare the cake batter as directed and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan until done.
Cool the cake: Once the cake is fully baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes so it’s still warm but manageable.
Poke holes in the cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly all over the surface of the warm cake, creating spaces for the fillings to soak in.
Prepare and spread cherry mixture: In a small bowl, combine the cherry pie filling with vanilla extract. Spread this cherry mixture evenly over the cake, ensuring the filling seeps into all the holes.
Add sweetened condensed milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the entire cake surface, letting it soak through the holes and into the cake.
Chill the cake: Cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to absorb the fillings.
Make whipped cream topping: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form, creating a light and fluffy whipped cream.
Spread whipped cream: Evenly spread the whipped cream over the chilled cake, covering the cherry and milk-soaked surface thoroughly.
Garnish: Sprinkle the top of the cake with chocolate shavings or curls, and add maraschino cherries for an optional decorative touch.
Serve chilled: Slice the cake and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture experience. Enjoy your delicious Black Forest Poke Cake!

Notes

You can substitute cherry pie filling with fresh cherries and a simple cherry syrup if preferred.
For an extra rich flavor, try using homemade chocolate shavings from a dark chocolate bar.
If you want a lighter topping, substitute heavy whipping cream with whipped topping alternatives but expect a difference in texture.
Make sure the cake is warm but not hot when poking holes to allow liquids to soak effectively.
Keep the cake refrigerated until serving to maintain freshness and texture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American